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  • Plum Pudding

    Dec 07, 2012 | 0 Comments

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    Where are the plums in the plum pudding? Read more...


  • Words that have extended their meanings

    Oct 19, 2012 | 0 Comments

    Over time, language changes and evolves. When the meaning of a word changes or evolves, and there is sufficient evidence to support this new meaning, it is the dictionary’s duty to record it. If you look in a dictionary at any entry with more than one definition, you are probably looking at a word which, through use over time, has developed meanings beyond its original sense. Read more...


  • A Response from the Editor on 'misogyny'

    Oct 18, 2012 | 0 Comments

    In response to the various emails, posts, tweets, etc., from the public about the definition of the word misogyny, the editors would like to make the following comments. Read more..

     


  • MI·SOG·Y·NY. Hijacked by pedants

    Oct 18, 2012 | 0 Comments

    Macquarie in the news

    I'm starting to feel pretty worn down by the commentary surrounding the Prime Minister's speach on sexism and misogyny. Not because the debate has been heated (it has) not because it's been partisan (it has) and not even because it has been used as a springboard for even more sexist insults directed not just at the PM, but at women in general (if you are a masochist, have a look at the comments on Andrew Blot's blog). Read more...

    MI·SOG·Y·NY. Hijacked by pedants | Corinne Grant | The Hoopla


  • A Letter From the Editor on 'misogyny'

    Oct 17, 2012 | 0 Comments

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    As Editor of the Macquarie Dictionary, I picture myself as the woman with the mop and broom and bucket cleaning the language off the floor after the party is over. And in this case it was quite a party. Read more...


  • Kindys or kindies?

    Oct 03, 2012 | 0 Comments

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    A contributor recently pointed out the appearance of 'kindys' in a local newspaper headline. Read more...


  • Literally screaming with excitement

    Aug 24, 2012 | 0 Comments

    We have long been aware of the use of 'literally' to give emphasis to what follows. This is another one of those usage debates that has gone on for centuries. Read more...

     


  • Macquarie Atlas of Indigenous Australia

    Jul 18, 2012 | 0 Comments

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    Now available as an ebook!

    Download this award-winning publication direct to your iPad for access to over 250 maps ranging across various historical, social, cultural, political and environmental themes, plus hundreds of photographs, insets, charts and diagrams. Read more...

    Download from the Apple iBookstore


  • Difference between dependent & dependant

    Jul 03, 2012 | 0 Comments

    What is the difference between dependent and dependant? Read more...


  • Bogan

    Jun 21, 2012 | 0 Comments

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    The word bogan entered Australian English in the 1980s and was included in the second edition of the Macquarie Dictionary, published in 1991. Read more...


  • The change in meaning of 'hoi polloi'

    May 31, 2012 | 1 Comment

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    The phrase hoi polloi has amazingly changed its meaning entirely. Read more...

     


  • Pavlova and Anzac biscuits

    Apr 26, 2012 | 0 Comments

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    You may be aware that Australians have reluctantly agreed that the pavlova is not an Australian creation but a New Zealand one. Read more...